Population

Total population is 14,717,000. Bangla and English are used in the diocesan territory.

History

The Diocese of Khulna was canonically erected on Jan. 3, 1952 as the Diocese of Jessore, with parts of taken from the Archdiocese of Calcutta (presently Kolkata) and Diocese of Krishnagar, both in India. In this region the Foreign Missionaries of Milan (PIME) had begun their apostolic work in 1855. Actually in 1856, Father Antonio Marietti, PIME, arrived in Jessore. From 1927 to 1952, the Salesian Missionaries worked in this territory. Howerver, Satkhira Parish was under the Jesuits from Calcutta during 1918 - 1952.

On June 14, 1956, the Episcopal See was transferred from Jessore to the large city of Khulna and since then this has been called the Diocese of Khulna. The newly created Diocese was entrusted to the St. Francis Xavier Foreign Mission Society (SX), popularly known as the "Xaverian Fathers".

Of special historical interest is Iswaripur, which is fifty miles south of Satkhira town. At this place was located the first ever Christian Church structure, dedicated by the Jesuits on Jan. 1, 1600 under the title of "The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus"; nothing of this Church remains now. There was no other Christian Church in the area comprising the present Khulna Diocese until the arrival of the PIME Missionaries in 1856. Then the first Church was at Jessore (1856). Other early Churches are those at Shimulia (1859), Bhabarpara (1866), Malgazi of Shelabunia Parish (1870) and Khulna city (1873).

Political

There is no separate political structure in the diocesan territory. There are some seats in the Parliament for Khulna. Citizens elect their representatives for those seats. No serious disruption of democracy is seen for the time being. Minorities can vote and take part in politics without any pressure. Khulna city people have the opportunity to elect their mayor for the Khulna City Corporation.

Transportation

Khulna is connected to all parts of the country by land and, to some extent, by air. Buses, trains, launches and private vehicles are the main modes of transport to Khulna city. By planes people reach to Jessore then by bus to Khulna. Roads and highways connect the city to towns and rural areas of the diocese.

Geography

The diocese covers a total land area of 28,236 square kilometers. It comprises the 12 civil districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Kushtia, Chuadanga, Meherpur, Jessore, Jhenidah, Norail, Magura, Faridpur, and part of Gopalganj. The Sundarbans (Bangla - Sundarban) delta is the largest mangrove forest in the world is situated in Khulna. It lies at the mouth of the Ganges and is spread across areas of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India, forming the seaward fringe of the delta.

Economy

The per capita income in the diocesan territory is US$476. Jute products and cement manufacture and fish and fish trade are the main industries. The main agricultural products are rice and jute.

Telecommunication

There are many cell phone service providers in addition to government and private land phone service providers. The cell phone is much used.